Picture prop

ABSTRACT

This invention is a new design to fill a need that has be previously unaddressed. It is simple in design and use, and requires no special techniques to manufacture beyond what it established as common manufacturing practices. 
     The Picture Prop is a small metal clip easily attached to the leg of a free standing picture frame. This device prevents the support leg from closing or collapsing should the picture frame be deliberately picked up and then repositioned back on to a flat surface, or if it is bumped by accident in the course of cleaning. 
     This device is simple in design and use, is one piece and may be adapted to any sized picture frame. It is installed and removed without the use of tools and is reusable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGUARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As someone who has worked in the residential cleaning industry for many years, I have always sought a solution to the constant problem of falling pictures that are displayed free standing on flat surfaces. After much time searching for an existing solution, and finding none, I came up with a clip that solves this problem. I call this clip “The Picture Prop”0 and I am seeking patent status so that I can make this available to everyone.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

The Picture Prop is a small metal clip that slides onto the leg of a picture frame and prevents the leg from collapsing and causing the picture to fall and possibly break. Currently, most all pictures that are displayed on flat surfaces have a support leg behind the picture frame which, when extended, allows the frame to stand up.

If the picture frame is picked up for any purpose {i.e. cleaning}, the support leg naturally closes. In order to reposition the picture frame back on to the flat surface, you must pull the support leg back open with one hand, while holding the frame with your other hand. The Picture Prop is a small metal clip that slides onto the support leg of the picture frame and prevents the leg from collapsing either from an accidental bump or picking the frame up in order to clean the frame of the surface [table] it was resting on.

The clip is completely removable, is easily slipped into place and requires no alteration to the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A shows a front view of The Picture Prop

FIG. 1B shows a top view of The Picture Prop

FIG. 1C shows an end view of The Picture Prop

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Picture Prop is a metal clip that slides on to the support leg of a free standing picture frame. The clip is made of 22 gauge metal and is therefore flexible enough to fit on any sized thickness support leg. Installation of the Picture Prop clip on to a frame support leg, requires no tools and is easily removed if so desired.

The Picture Prop is made by taking a piece of 22 gauge metal stock and then cutting it to a 4″×½″ protruding tab. The edges are machine rounded (tumbled) to eliminate sharp corners. The tab is then placed through a series of bending operations to achieve the desired final shape. The clip can now be plated to prevent corrosion.

In order to use the clip, slide the clip on to the leg of picture frame, and then slide up into position until flat against the back of picture frame.

The picture frame support leg should now be extended in a static and open position to allow the frame to be picked up without the leg closing or collapsing. 

1. I claim that my invention is a small 1 piece clip that is designed to attach to the tongue of an existing picture frame to prevent the frame from falling over when displayed. The picture frame is defined as any commercially available frame that is constructed for the purpose of housing and displaying pictures. The picture frame consisting of a frame (1) for holding the picture and a frame tongue (2). The clip (3,4) is comprised of the attachment arm (3) and the support leg (4). The attachment arm (3) slides onto the tongue (2) and is positioned so that the support leg (4) is resting firmly against the back of the picture frame (1) between the tongue (2) and the back of the frame (1). This will prevent the tongue (2) from collapsing and allowing the picture frame (1) to tip over and fall. 